The Cayman National Choir and Orchestra celebrated the diversity of musical expression, culture, and Caymanian roots at their annual fall combined concert on 25 Oct. at the Harquail Theatre.
The CNCO, under the evening’s theme, ‘Shadows and Serenades’, took audience members through featured works by such diverse composers as John Rutter, Edvard Greig and Henry Mancini, as well as several favourites from Broadway musicals ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Carousel’.
Conducted by Melody Gifford and Alina Makhina, various themes were musically presented including mystery, Halloween, African American spirituals, hope and revival, and Christmas.
Among the featured performances was guest artist Randy Chollette, who enchanted music lovers in collaboration with the choir and orchestra with a traditional Caymanian folk song, ‘Southeast by South’.
With the use of the traditional drum, Chollette recalled Cayman’s seafaring heritage and brought the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Caribbean culture to life. The piece also included a solo sung by 13-year-old Ryan Nock. During the performance, Chollette showed off his pan drum and shared with attendees the importance of preserving the tradition and taking it forward.
“From the outset it was important that we gave this arrangement the respect and reverence it deserves, combining classical orchestration with the traditional sound of the Cayman drum and rhythms of the island,” CNCO member Graham Morse told the Cayman Compass.
“It has been arranged for a full orchestra, four-part choral harmony and Caymanian drums by Freya Chambers, an arranger and composer who plays the clarinet in our orchestra.”
Chollette spoke of his experience at the concert. “There are times when I walk into a performance space, prepared through rehearsals for what I will offer, even if it is a loose structural plan for the show, but for ‘Shadows and Serenades’, instead of being the performer, I became the channel for the music that wanted to come,” he said in an email to the Compass.
“I believe this may be the first time the Caymanian Pan Drum was played alongside an orchestra, demonstrating what I have always known, that this instrument is versatile and can be used in contemporary music. I am so thankful to have been invited to collaborate with the CNCO, and I feel like it will not be our last.”
A favourite of the evening was the performance of Rutter’s ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful,’ with the choir’s rich harmonies and orchestra together celebrating the beauty of creation.
The 60-member choir and orchestra ended the evening with a stirring rendition of the timeless anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, from the musical ‘Carousel’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
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